GOOD COP, BAD COP IS AN EFFECTIVE APPROACH WITH FOREIGN LEADERS: Just as Trump tells moderates and the base completely different stories, he believes that speaking to foreign leaders with two voices is an effective tactic, as it maintains his flexibility, keeps the world’s attention on him, and keeps his adversaries (including leaders most Americans would consider our allies) guessing as to his intentions. Trump’s selection of Rubio, an establishment figure if there ever was one, as his Secretary of State is compelling evidence that he plans to continue with this approach in his second term.
Using dissonance as a feature rather than a bug is, of course, a problem for the credibility of the Secretary of State. In addition, it means that nothing Trump says can ever be trusted. This may have some deterrent effect on Xi and Putin, but it will drive our friends away from us. America First will be America alone.